Baltimore Ravens edge rusher Matthew Judon went into the NFL’s offseason hoping to cash in with a massive contract extension. Instead, the Pro Bowl linebacker could only react when the deadline passed on Wednesday without a deal coming his way.
Ravens’ Matthew Judon reacts to failed contract talks
The Ravens placed the franchise tag on Judon, one of their top defenders, in March. While he and the team settled on a $16.8 million salary for the 2020 season, the midpoint between the tag numbers for a linebacker and defensive end, the 27-year-old was hoping to sign a long-term deal to stay in Baltimore.
Judon made the Pro Bowl in 2019 following an outstanding season coming off the edge. He racked up a career-high 9.5 sacks with 33 quarterback hits, 14 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles.
When the deadline to sign franchise-tagged players to an extension passed, Judon could only feel alone when Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry and Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones signed monster deals.
Judon will have to use this moment as motivation heading into the 2020 season, pushing himself to post even better numbers and proving he is a great edge rusher. If he can do that, he might just land an even bigger contract next offseason.
Of course, Judon isn’t the only player hit with the franchise tag who missed out on a huge contract.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry, Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons, Cincinnati Bengals star A.J. Green, New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams are among 13 players who will play under the one-year tag this season.